Our military has had a rich history from the beginning of our country. Our country had a modest beginning, and in the early days of America, those who came from foreign lands had to basically fend for themselves. In times of trouble, neighbors would help neighbors by defending their lands and protecting their families. In the beginning, there was no organized military to defend the lands that had been settled from whatever may come their way. At first, we were ruled by soldiers from England. As times progressed, the settlers of our country wanted more. They wanted freedom.
The modest beginnings of our country and the religious battles for which some came to this country were the start of what this country has become. Those who fought for our freedom in the beginning and those who fight for our freedom and security now deserve our praise and support. The early history of our country was shaped by the Revolutionary War and then the War of 1812. In both situations, neighbors banded together to fight for the liberties we had acquired. Today is no different.
Our country has been through some trying times and several wars including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. These were wars against our enemies who wanted to do us harm. In relation to Iraq and Afghanistan, there have been opinions from various political officials about whether these conflicts were warranted and whether the lives of those lost in the battles were worth it. Losing loved ones is always difficult and painful, but those who serve our country in the various branches of the military do so with pride.
Along with the individuals in all the military branches of services, we must also consider the sacrifices that military families endure while their loved ones are serving their country, sometimes in distant foreign lands where danger seems to be lurking around every corner. The character of our military is unquestioned as they serve separated from their families. Some have had newborn babies and were not there to witness their birth. Many have not been able to watch their children grow up because of their service to country. Many marriages have been unable to endure the stress of the separation. Their sacrifice has been great. In the past we had the military draft, but today our military is comprised of individuals who willingly want to serve. It is an all volunteer military. These individuals, both men and women, serve with pride, putting themselves in danger everyday not knowing where they will be sent next.
Along with those whom we openly know about and what they do, there are those who operate under the radar. Events involving such groups as the Navy Seals and the Green Berets are not necessarily publicized, but they are exceptionally trained and perform duties we cannot even imagine. Both these groups have a long tradition and are examples of what our military can do when called to duty.
Honoring our veterans of the past, present and future is important in recognizing what they have done, what they do and what they will do in the future. Our way of life and the freedoms we have did not come without great cost, as thousands of military personnel throughout our history have made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our freedoms. These efforts should not go unrewarded. Our military deserves to have the necessary resources to keep them safe as they defend our liberties. They also deserve to be adequately compensated not only with their salaries but also with their retirement packages. Salaries of some government officials need to be compared to what we pay our military, and the question should be considered whether the amounts are as they should be, given the dangers our military face. Any reduction in military retirement packages resulting from the economic times we are facing should be minor. While there will be some necessary reduction of programs and expenses in the coming months, the money associated with military retirement is money well spent. The history of all branches of our military has shown that they have always been there when needed. This not only includes areas of conflict but in times of national disasters such as Hurricane Katrina which hit the Gulf Coast. Those in Congress must remember these efforts and the support provided to our citizens when it comes time to make cuts in the Congressional Budget.
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